Hunter
Valley
After a week of devastation in Sydney and the Hunter
with torrential rain and flash flooding we were blessed with nothing other than
perfection for our weekend at the Hunter Valley.
Upon check in at the Crowne Plaza we were pleasantly
surprised with the cleanliness, functionality and location of our three bedroom
apartment.
No time wasted we headed to our first winery…“Tempus
Two” – and purchased some lovely Moscatos! A quick duck into “Meerea Park”,
which was next door and is a relatively small winery. Nevertheless offering some
lovely reds in the Shiraz range, one of hubby’s favourites.
This was followed by a delicious lunch @ “Bistro
Molines”. Wrought iron chairs and candelabras, white
painted cupboards and casual flower arrangements, paved courtyard and vines
that stretch almost as far as the eye can see. Bistro Molines combines the
finest food with relaxed friendly service and European influenced serenity. (Yummy bread with olive oil and aioli was to die for and osso
bucco which melted in my mouth… is what Kathy had to say!)
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Next stop was “Briar Ridge”. Franks
personal favourite….as a member and quietly we all think he has shares in the
company…haha, Frank organised a private sitting where we were spoilt with a
delicious cheese platter and a great selection of wines to taste. Personal
picks were the botrytis range and we are certainly looking forward to these.
The staff were absolutely wonderful and did not hesitate on recommending some
of their favourite wineries in the Hunter.
With the day almost at an end we dashed into “McGuigan’s”
which was a favourite of mine from our last visit. Unfortunately on this
occasion our host was a little smug so we spent little time here…didn’t stop me
from buying one of my favourite from the botrytis range but probably will give
it a miss next time round.
Next door was the “Hunter Valley Cheese Factory” who
no longer offer tasting…we purchased two cheeses and very average biscuits
which were both overpriced @ $38.00 in total. In actual fact the whole store
was overpriced as we saw the same items elsewhere at almost half the price. The
staff were very rude and did not accept positive criticism. We were told that
we were only the fifth group to complain, which I find difficult to believe as I
have since seen many negative reviews. We should have left without buying a
single item but nothing else was opened and we wanted some snacks for our
evening ahead. What a waste of money and time, one of the cheeses ended in the
bin…will not be visiting again!! Very disappointed to say the least.
Dinner was spent at the Crowne Plaza “Lovedale Bar
and Restaurant”. Affordable quick meals, champagne, beers and some light music
in the background.
Breakfast was booked at “Petersons House” which was
perfect…Complimentary tasters, champagne and muesli yogurt. Everyone was
extremely happy with their order. Yum..Yum.
With only a hop, skip and jump we were tasting a
range of champagnes @ “Petersons”, needless to say a few purchases were made
once again.
Next door was the “Hunter Valley Chocolate Company”,
all our dreams turned into reality…a little taste of heaven!
Our next stop was at the “Tinklers” winery, a family
operated vineyard with a history for all to enjoy. (Terri’s personal favorite…I
like to support the smaller businesses and it was such a pretty place). We left
the boys to do most of the tasting, whilst the girls explored the luscious
atmosphere…and of course sneaked in a few old fashioned selfies! Lol
Last but not least “Hanging Tree” winery. As you
enter you see the
rustic Blacksmith's house and the historic Hanging Tree, which was rumoured
to have hung beasts and bush-rangers in the early days of settlement. We
followed the path down past the rose
beds, where to the left you can see the old Horse Whisperer's Lodge and pond.
Step back in time as you walk into our boutique Cellar Door - housed
within an old cow shed filled with nick-knacks and antiques. We were
greeted by the ever so lovely Ming who certainly knew her wines and loved her
reds. Would probably be safe to say that we tried almost every wine on
offer…Ming was not afraid to open a select favourite which was superb, coming
from a non- red lover, you know it must have been great. Time flew away as we laughed
the afternoon away and quite possibly our bank balance after a good collection
was purchased.
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Yes that time again….lunch! We dined @ “Oishii” a
Japanese / Thai restaurant. This is a must dining experience! I would say the
best Thai I have had. DELISH!!!
Next door was the “Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop”
where they had a great selection of cheeses, breads, ice-cream and condiments!
What a pity this was closed the day before.
One last stop in before our trip home “Hunter
Distillery” A great selection of flavoured vodkas and schnapps.
Kathy & Frank said…a perfect weekend with beautiful family
and friends! Great company always makes for an enjoyable time, lots of laughs
had. The food was delicious and the wine was sensational. Now to start drinking
all the wine we bought, not sure how we managed to get it all back but the boys sure know how to stack and pack!
Terri & Paul said…beautiful people, great wines and great
locations! What an amazing pretty place, so picturesque. Watching the boys
going into the wineries was like watching young little kids going into a candy
store, particularly Frank…he was in his element. Overall it was a fabulous
weekend, wish I could do it all again next weekend!
What more can John & I say…relaxing, charming, scenic,
amazing company and lots of great laughs!! Looking forward to our next trip J
J
J
Wildflower Wonders xoxo
